As part of YMCA BC's Violence Against Women Intervention & Support Services (VAWISS), the PEACE Program provides free and confidential support to children and youth aged 3 to 18 who have experienced domestic violence.
At the Y, we understand that violence creates pain that no child should have to carry. The PEACE program stands for Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment and provides children and youth with a safe, welcoming space to talk about their experiences of violence, understand how it has affected them and learn healthy ways to cope.
Formerly known as Children Who Witness Abuse, the program also offers BCSTH's Violence is Preventable (VIP) in SD73 schools, kindergarten to grade 12.
The program helps reduce the emotional, social and behavioural impacts of violence while strengthening confidence and resilience.
YMCA BC’s anti-violence programs offer a continuum of services to help women and children find safety and support when leaving violence in the home. If you or someone you know is looking for safety, these programs can help.
Based on psycho-educational methods, PEACE counsellors provide individual and group counselling to help children and youth:
Reach out to learn more, enroll, or find support for someone you care about.
Find a program in the Kamloops Region
Find answers to common questions about our program here.
Who can access the PEACE Program?
The program is available to children and youth ages 3 to 18 who have experienced or witnessed violence in their homes or relationships. Caregivers, including parents and guardians, can contact us directly to learn how the program can support their family.
Is the PEACE Program confidential?
Yes. All services within the PEACE Program are confidential. We provide a safe, supportive environment where children and families can speak openly. Our team will clearly explain any limits to confidentiality, such as mandatory reporting required for child safety.
What should I expect after contacting the PEACE Program?
After you reach out, a PEACE Counsellor will connect with you to learn about your child's needs, explain available services, and determine the best pathway for support. You will receive guidance on next steps and resources tailored to your child's age and situation.
How does the PEACE Program support parents and caregivers?
The non-offending parent and caregiver receives guidance on how to support their child's emotional well-being, access safety planning, understand trauma impacts, and connect with community resources.
What types of counselling or therapy does the PEACE Program offer?
The program offers pyschoeducationl one on one counselling, parent-child sessions, expressive arts therapy,and peer group counselling (ages 5-6, 7-9, 9-12, and 13-18) more. These approaches help young people express emotions, build resilience, and strengthen their confidence in a safe, guided environment.
When you join the YMCA you join more than a gym. You join a community.